Official: Pakistani offensive kills 15 militants

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — A senior military official says Pakistani army has killed 15 militants in a new northwest offensive targeting militants who often strike a provincial capital from the mountainous region.

The official said Saturday that the operation, called “Khyber II,” began Friday in Zao Kharmatang area in south of Peshawar. He said four soldiers were also killed in the action against militants.

The official said forces destroyed two militant hideouts. The official spoke on condition anonymity in line of the force’s policy.

The area is located between Dara Adma Khel and Bara area of the Khyber tribal area that borders Afghanistan. The area was being used by militants to create pressure on the provincial capital. In recent weeks, police and military posts in and around Peshawar came under attack.